Have you ever been in a car accident or a light fender bender? One in 63 Americans are in the same boat. Did you know whiplash, neck, and back pain are a few of the most common injuries following said accidents? What most people don’t realize is whiplash can occur at speeds as low as five to ten miles per hour. Whiplash can occur anytime there is rapid change in momentum causing the neck to “whip” or snap rapidly front to back or side to side. This whipping motion can cause injury to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in and around the neck.In the moment, you may not notice any pain or discomfort due to adrenaline. You may assume you’re unharmed, but as that adrenaline wears off, it’s common to experience symptoms such as headaches, muscle stiffness, decreased range of motion, radiating or shooting sensations, and muscle weakness. These symptoms may appear immediately but often may not become apparent until days to weeks after the accident.
At Kucera Chiropractic, we conduct a thorough physical examination to help answer the questions you have as you work to get back to your day-to-day life. During your exam, we will explain what’s wrong or what your injury is, how we can help get you back to doing the things you want and need, and how long it may take.Research continues to pour out in support of non-invasive rehabilitative techniques to control pain, improve range of motion, and return patients back to a pre-injury state. One study noted early intervention demonstrated more positive outcomes when compared to immobilization with a neck collar. Other studies noted manipulation and acupuncture saw increased effectiveness and improved quality of life with decreased likelihood of chronic pain.Let us help you get back to spending time doing the things you want without the distraction of pain and discomfort. Know someone you think we can help? Scheduling is easy. Appointments can be made over the phone (531) 721-2050 or via our website at www.kucerachiropractic.com.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, juggling work, family, and personal commitments can take a toll on the body. For hard-working parents, finding effective ways to manage stress and maintain overall well-being is crucial. One highly beneficial avenue is chiropractic care, offering a holistic approach to health that aligns perfectly with the demanding lifestyle of busy parents.
1. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity: The demands of parenting and a busy work schedule can lead to heightened stress levels. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce stress by rebalancing the body, improving blood flow, and releasing muscle tension. This not only provides physical relief but also enhances mental clarity, helping parents stay focused and energized throughout their busy days.
2. Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep can be a precious commodity for hard-working parents, and the quality of that sleep matters. Regular chiropractic care has been linked to improved sleep patterns. By addressing spinal misalignments and other imbalances contributing to sleep disturbances, chiropractic adjustments can help parents achieve more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
3. Boosting Immune Function: With hectic pick-up and drop-off schedules and multiple activities and weekly commitments, busy parents don’t have time to be under the weather. Sharing is caring until your child passes along something going around school. Chiropractic care aims to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities by ensuring proper nerve function. This can contribute to a strengthened immune system, helping parents stay healthy for their families.
4. Increased Energy Levels: Just like a nagging cough can consume your energy, blockages within the nervous system can keep you from having true vitality. When imbalances in the body are removed, energy is used more effectively and flows efficiently throughout the body. This leads to parents feeling enabled to tackle their daily tasks with more enthusiasm, patience, and resilience.
5. Postural Improvement: Long work hours and constantly being on the go can result in poor posture, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Chiropractic focuses on proper motion of the spine, which in turn improves posture. Not only does this reduce the risk of chronic complaints but contributes to looking good, feeling good, and performing as your best self. Chiropractic care offers a natural and non-invasive way for busy, hard-working parents to enhance their overall well-being. By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your health, our office empowers parents to navigate the challenges of daily life with greater ease, resilience, and grace. Prioritizing self-care through chiropractic is an investment in both your own personal health and in the ability to be present as your best self for the ones you love most.



As a chiropractor who sees families that travel, and a dad with two kids who has experienced it firsthand, traveling with kids can be a true challenge. Here are a few tips to help make your next family trip a little easier for both you and your little ones.

Tip #1: When flying with a newborn, plan on feeding at takeoff and on descent prior to landing. Not only is feeding typically soothing and comforting for a baby, but the sucking motion can help regulate the pressure in the ears, making the most eventful parts of the flight that much easier.
Tip #2: When flying with a lap-seat child, use family boarding. If you’ve got multiple kids and one is a lap seater, have one parent board with the older child while the other parent waits with the youngest until the majority of the plane has boarded. This cuts down the amount of time your little one sits on the plane.
Tip #3: For those hotel stays where routines change along with the environment, we recommend traveling with a Slumberpod. This is a blackout tent that goes overtop of a pack-n-play. It’s lightweight and travel-friendly. It has been a game changer helping our little one sleep in new places.
Tip #4: For older kids, technology and travel often go hand in hand. We recommend using a pillow or backpack while seated to help elevate the screen. Keeping a screen at or above eye level takes pressure off the musculature in the neck.
Tip #5: The most essential travel hack is getting adjusted before and after your trip. A body that functions properly is ready to take on whatever your trip might throw your way. Time on a plane or in a car, different bed, lots of walking you name it your body will handle it better. Once you return, we check to make sure your body is ready to get back into your day-to-day routine. 
Ready to see for yourself? You’ll notice the difference and your body will thank you. You can see what our patients are saying via our Google Reviews. For more information about how we can help you and your loved ones, visit our website at www.kucerachiropractic.com.

Chiropractic care is often associated with adults seeking relief from back pain or other musculoskeletal issues. However, chiropractic care can also provide numerous benefits for children. From newborns to teenagers, chiropractic care can help improve their overall health and well-being in a number of ways.

1. Improved Posture: Does your neck hurt just from seeing your child hunched over while using an electronic device? Poor posture can develop because of poor ergonomics and excessive time spent sitting or hunched over while watching TV or using electronics. Children are constantly growing and changing. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help correct postural issues, ensuring the spine is properly aligned and reducing the risk of developing long-term postural problems.
2. Enhanced Immune System: Fall and winter months don’t need to equate to colds that get passed around. Chiropractic care can boost the immune system. The nervous system controls and coordinates all bodily functions, including the immune system. By removing interference from the spine, adjustments help promote a stronger immune response, reducing the frequency and severity of illness. Dr. Kucera also utilizes acupuncture to promote a stronger immune system.
3. Improved Sleep: Does your child struggle with sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep? Chiropractic care can help address these problems by reducing tension and promoting relaxation throughout the body. With chiropractic care, children can experience improved sleep quality and duration, a win-win for kids and their parents.
4. Faster Healing: Between toddler wipeouts, sports injuries, and fluke accidents, injuries happen. Chiropractic care can help speed up the healing process by promoting proper alignment and reducing inflammation. By addressing the root cause of the problem, chiropractic care can help children recover faster from injuries and get back to their normal activities.
5. Improved Concentration and Focus: A properly functioning nervous system is essential for optimal brain function. Chiropractic care can help improve communication between the brain and the body, leading to improved concentration and focus. This can be particularly beneficial for children who struggle with attention deficit disorders or learning difficulties.
6. Prevention of Future Issues: Regular chiropractic care for children can help prevent future problems by addressing misalignments and imbalances. By promoting proper spinal alignment and nervous system function, children can maintain optimal health and prevent the development of chronic conditions later in life. 
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Schedule your child’s free consultation with Dr. Kucera by visiting kucerachiropractic.com.


Many people enjoy going to a nice restaurant or hotel where they know the service is phenomenal. For Dr. Zach Kucera, this level of service-whether inside or outside the office a vital role in his philosophy and translates into his passion for helping others through chiropractic care.
After a remarkable recovery from a sports injury in college, Kucera embarked on his journey toward becoming a chiropractor. Devoted to helping patients return to activities they enjoy, Kucera knew he belonged in a service-based field because of his commitment to helping people feel their best. He translates this care into his family life with his wife and two sons, which includes coaching sports. “When I’m at practice and games, I’m the coach helping improve skill sets,” he said. “It’s still serving, but in a different way.”
Kucera understands the importance of spending time with family and doing things outside of work or chiropractic appointments. “I never want to disrespect a patient’s time. My goal is to deliver what they need efficiently to get patients back to what they love. That’s why we keep office time purposeful. I’d rather my patients have more time in the day for their family or to do activities they love than spend time in the office talking about football scores or the weather.”
"If you allow yourself to shift your focus, you'll see improvements versus setbacks, which is huge."
Since becoming a chiropractor, Kucera has made life adjustments to ensure he always gives his best to his patients. For example, instead of working out in the morning, he waits until after work to go to the gym so his hands are steady and he isn’t fatigued before going into the office. Although invisible to his patients, this type of attention to detail allows him to focus fully and provide the most precise care.
Kucera understands his patients’ needs but also recognizes there is a fine line between what they want to hear and what they need to hear. “That’s why I don’t push,” he said. “I’m willing to meet patients where they are, but it’s their health; I can’t force a result.” Instead, Kucera focuses on mindset and positive reinforcement.
This step-by-step approach transitions their focus from pain to improvement, which is a positive. “The brain doesn’t comprehend negatives such as not or don’t,” Kucera stated. “Just like telling someone not to think of purple elephants, you can’t tell someone not to think about pain, or that’s exactly where their mind goes. Instead, we help transition their attention to the positive. By asking a patient, “How much better was your morning?’ instead of “How is your pain this morning? we shift the patient’s focus towards the progress they are making. If you allow yourself to shift your focus, you’ll see improvements versus setbacks, which is huge.”
Kucera emphasizes physical, emotional, and mental corrections. “Self-care isn’t selfish. If the time spent in our office is the only time a patient spends on himself/herself, it should be meaningful.” He often jokes with patients, “As much as we love seeing you, it’s our goal not to. I’m here to serve you so you can continue to work and do the things you enjoy with the people you love.

Over the past two years, there have been more than 860 million trips to healthcare providers in the U.S. Luckily, the days of listening to the person in the white coat without having a say regarding your healthcare are a thing of the past. With information available at the click of a button, patients are now able to make more informed healthcare decisions. Selecting a provider and researching alternative treatment methods can be done online. But with every pro comes a con. “Dr. Google” can also lead patients down a rabbit hole with misinformation and scary self-diagnosed conditions. So where does a medical provider fall in this new era of healthcare? Here are three things to consider when searching for a provider:
1. Do you have a referral? Having someone recommend a provider after a positive personal experience is one of the most common ways new providers are found. You’ll have an idea of what to expect and some peace of mind knowing they took care of someone you know and trust.

2. Find a provider who empowers with knowledge rather than dictates from a pedestal. As a medical provider, our job isn’t to push our own views or opinions but rather present the facts and allow the patient to make an informed decision about what works best for them and their lifestyle. You want and deserve a healthcare advocate. Someone whose goal is to provide care that leads to seeing you less over time, not more. Someone who’s willing to go to bat for the health of the patient and leave the patient feeling in control of his/her healthcare.
3. Results. One of the amazing benefits of online information is the ability to see reviews from actual patients. What kind of experience have others had in this office? Has anyone mentioned the condition that you’d be going in for? These questions and more can be addressed just by doing a little online homework. At Kucera Chiropractic, we’re honored that most of our patients are referred in by other providers, coworkers, family members, or friends of current patients. We love empowering patients with knowledge about how their bodies work, which gives patients the ability to make more educated healthcare decisions. We’d love to help you, too. If you’re ready to see what benefits chiropractic could have for you, give us a call at 531-721-2050.

Dr. Zach Kucera knows what it’s like to come back after facing adversity. During his junior year at Doane University, his baseball career came to a screeching halt after suffering a herniated disc that required emergency surgery. Told he would be limited to only daily living tasks and would never be able to golf, ski, or do the other activities he loved—including baseball—Kucera refused to accept it as fate. He sought the advice of a chiropractor, and his journey to health not only resulted in him returning to the field on the opening day of his junior year, but it led him to a career path of helping others achieve their goals. After completing chiropractic school at Cleveland University in Kansas, Kucera rejoined his wife in Elkhorn (she teaches at Elkhorn South High School). Set to open his own practice in February 2020, but the pandemic put those plans on hold, which gave him the opportunity to help in other chiropractic offices. This proved to be invaluable when he was finally able to open his doors last June. He and his office assistant, Michaela, take pride in the family-friendly environment they provide, emphasizing efficiency so that patients are seen quickly and conveniently. There are many different chiropractic techniques, and Kucera uses one that is “gentle but specific”, utilizing the same techniques that brought him back to health. “We don’t twist and crack,” he said. “People are amazed that you can be gentle and get even better results.”Providing his family with peace of mind and knowing they can trust that their loved ones will be taken care of is a priority. This is a fact that Kucera understands wholeheartedly given he has a four-year-old son at home. “Parents' comfort and trust is essential when treating our chiropractic kids,” he added. Not only does Kucera employ gentle and relaxing techniques, he provides patients with a space to relax, take a breath, and relieve some of the tension, stress, and anxiety that they face. “When people are here, they are the only thing that matters, and my goal is to get them back to a place where they can play with their kids or grandkids, go golfing, or whatever it is they enjoy doing. We want the entire process to be as simple as possible so they can focus on healing.” The zone method is one of the tools Kucera uses to identify areas of the body that are out of balance. There are six zones, and each point along the skull correlates to a zone and an area of the spine to address. For example, zone 4 is the digestive system, and when this zone is in balance, people may experience improved digestion, elimination of waste, and a more normal appetite. Kucera said it’s a good way to address issues beyond just headaches and back pain that patients may not even realize they have. It’s also a good way to help children with common problems such as bed-wetting or constipation. Another tool Kucera uses in his practice is needleless acupuncture, which is a way to accelerate healing in conjunction with gentle adjustments. There are points in the ear that correlate to common complaints patients have, and electrotherapy from the handheld acupuncture device is used on those points to help facilitate healing. Kucera has been able to address issues such as poor sleep, infertility, migraines, back pain, as well as other chronic conditions. For example, one of his patients complained of severe migraines. Using the prone-style gentle neck adjustments, the patient is now headache-free. Another patient came into the office dragging their leg when they walked, and after a course of care, the patient now not only walks correctly, but the patient’s boss also noted he could see a change in her energy level at work as well. “In our office, we see physical changes, but we see a lot of emotional changes as well,” he said. “People who come in angry and in pain transform back to the happy people they once were.” Even if someone has tried chiropractic care before and didn’t have a good experience, Kucera encourages them to try it again because every technique is slightly different. He also believes in having a conversation without being committed to care, so consultations are always complimentary. Only after the patient decides to move forward does Kucera perform a full exam, digital x-rays, and relief treatment with a care plan that includes the length of time to get the patient back toward the direction of health. Believing in his patients so that they can believe in themselves is at the heart of Kucera’s philosophy. “I’m not the doctor who tells people you are limited. I’m the optimist who says if you want to do something, let’s find a way to make that happen. We see things people would call ‘miracles’ every day, but it never surprises me. The body was meant to function a certain way, which is a different approach to looking at health. We love seeing people regain the freedom to live life on their own terms. We’re here to give you a second chance, just like I was given a second chance.”

Each year in the United States, it is estimated that over $86 billion in wages are lost due to headaches and neck and back pain. That is over $235 million per day. Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments provide relief to people suffering with conditions like these every day. While chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have positive outcomes individually, when combined, results have the highest positive outcome.
Acupuncture is a 5000-year-old Chinese system of natural healing that is utilized without the need for drugs or invasive surgeries. The Chinese define health as “all parts of the body functioning normally.” At Kucera Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we utilize a form of acupuncture known as auricular therapy, which is performed in the office without needles.
There are over 200 acupuncture points in the ear alone. Based on the condition, different acupuncture points are stimulated to promote healing. These points are stimulated with a tool that increases the accuracy of the points being stimulated. These acupuncture points target everything from allergies, migraines, shoulder complaints, and of course spinal pains. The normal state of the body is not to be in pain. If you or anyone you know is suffering with pain and is ready to make a change, we would be honored to sit and address your concerns during a complimentary consultation.
Everyone deserves to live an active and pain-free lifestyle. We believe in enabling our patients to do just that. Chiropractic can help with over 2000 conditions. Interested in finding out how chiropractic and acupuncture can help you? Walk-in or call and schedule your consultation today at (531) 721-2050. We are conveniently located north of 204th and Dodge Street at 1404 N. 203rd Street, Suite 104.


The verb “to crack” means to break, split, or snap apart. The verb “to adjust” means to modify and correct, or it is the therapeutic manipulation of the vertebrae or joints. With that knowledge, would you prefer to be adjusted or cracked? There are many misconceptions when it comes to chiropractic care. Some of those misconceptions are that you go to the chiropractor to get “cracked” and that chiropractic care is dangerous.
“Doc, I can twist and adjust myself!” This is a common phrase patients use in chiropractic offices. When we pop or crack our own knuckles or back, the sound does not mean we adjusted ourselves. What many people do not know is that the crack or pop sound is gas being released from between the joints. Even though an audible popping noise can be heard during an adjustment, the adjustment itself targets hypermobile joints. Adjusting these segments improves motion, which allows nutrients to flow to different parts of the spine. This allows your nervous system to function optimally.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, 95% of people say chiropractic care is effective. Chiropractic care is one of the most safe and natural ways to heal. What makes it so unique is that every chiropractor has a different technique. Not all chiropractors adjust forcefully or twist your back or neck. For some, there is a fear that a side-posture “twisting adjustment” may aggravate a herniated disc injury. In our office, we utilize a gentle and specific prone technique. Utilizing this technique allows us to adjust the spine without twisting while still getting the same positive outcomes. For many, knowing there will be no twisting alleviates the stress and anxiety they have about chiropractic care.
At Kucera Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we utilize a gentle but specific adjusting technique that is safe for the entire family. A crack or no crack, we will get you back to doing what you love. We are conveniently located at 1404 N. 203rd St, Suite 104, Elkhorn, NE. Visit our website at www.kucerachiropractic.com for more information, or give us a call at (531) 721- 2050.

Did you know the human body has over 100 billion nerve cells, but only 10% have the ability to sense pain? Pain is often the last symptom to present itself and can indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Whether you are sitting at a desk, looking at a phone, or reading a magazine, your posture can add unnecessary stress to your spine. The average head weighs approximately 10 pounds; when looking down at just a thirty-degree angle there is an additional 30 pounds of force being applied to the neck. That is the equivalent of carrying about three cases of water on your head. This amount of added force overtime leads the body to compensate, a condition commonly known as text neck.
Repetitive stress can lead to subtle nerve interference, which may result in pain. You can think of the nervous system as a highway, with the cars representing the signals being sent between the brain and billions of nerve cells. These nerve cells function to create action throughout the body. Text neck decreases the function of the nervous system like a poorly maintained road slows traffic. This decrease in function may present as: headaches, migraines, nausea, radiating tingling or numbness, or general muscle tightness.

At Kucera Chiropractic and Acupuncture we ensure that our community is thriving and well-maintained. Whether you are in pain or seeking another way to improve your health, we get you back to what you love and help you continue living without restrictions. Our office utilizes a gentle but specific adjusting technique that is safe for the entire family. We are conveniently located at 1404 N. 203rd St, Suite 104, Elkhorn, Ne 68022 just north of 204th and Dodge.

What does perfect health look like? We believe that it is more than just moving pain-free and avoiding disease. In our office, perfect health encompasses 6 key areas known as zones. Zones are checked prior to being adjusted by palpating points on the back of the head. These points correlate with different segments of the spine that need attention.
These areas are checked and adjusted when necessary to rebalance the body.
ZONE 1: THE GLANDULAR SYSTEM
When this zone is balanced or cleared, each of the 17 glands in the body functions perfectly and the over 500 lymph nodes drain appropriately. Patients may experience a decrease in stress, improved sleep, more energy, and better concentration.
ZONE 2: THE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
When this zone is cleared, the body eliminates toxins efficiently to help the body function at its best. Patients may experience proper sinus drainage, and improved lung function, and the digestive system can process and rid of waste.
ZONE 3: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Once this zone is cleared, patients may experience improved mood, sleep, and normal appetite control in addition to regulated hormones.
ZONE 4: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
When balanced, the organs that release enzymes to break down food in the body function the way they were made to function. These organs include the liver, salivary glands, gall bladder, and pancreas. Patients may experience improved digestive health with a decrease in sensitivity to foods that in the past had upset their stomachs. Patients may also experience more regular bowel movements.
ZONE 5: THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM
When this zone is cleared, the regular day-to-day movements we make may become more efficient, and stress and tension are released from the body. Patients may experience better stability with an improved center of gravity.
ZONE 6: THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Once this zone is balanced, patients may experience a more regulated blood pressure, improved circulation, and feel more at ease. When the body is balanced, experiencing perfect health is possible.
The body was made to work efficiently and we’d love to walk alongside you in your health journey.